Angioma serpiginosum

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Angioma serpiginosum
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Red punctate telangiectasia
Complications	N/A
Onset	Childhood
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis	Pigmented purpuric dermatosis, Spider angioma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Laser therapy
Medication
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A rare skin condition characterized by red spots

Angioma serpiginosum is a rare vascular skin disorder characterized by the presence of small, red, punctate lesions on the skin. These lesions are caused by dilated capillaries and are typically arranged in a serpiginous or ring-like pattern. The condition is benign and primarily affects the epidermis.

Presentation

Angioma serpiginosum usually presents as multiple, small, red spots on the skin. These spots are often grouped together in a linear or circular pattern, giving the appearance of a "snake-like" or "serpiginous" arrangement. The lesions are most commonly found on the extremities, such as the arms and legs, but can also appear on the trunk and other areas of the body. The condition is more frequently observed in females and often begins in childhood or adolescence. The lesions are typically asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause pain or itching, and they tend to persist throughout life without significant change.

Pathophysiology

The exact cause of angioma serpiginosum is not well understood. It is believed to be a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth, although the lesions may not become apparent until later in life. The disorder is characterized by the proliferation of capillaries in the superficial layers of the skin, leading to the formation of the characteristic red spots.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of angioma serpiginosum is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the skin lesions. A dermatologist may use a dermatoscope to examine the lesions more closely. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar presentations, such as port-wine stains or spider angiomas.

Management

As angioma serpiginosum is a benign condition, treatment is usually not necessary unless for cosmetic reasons. If treatment is desired, options may include laser therapy to reduce the appearance of the lesions. It is important for patients to be reassured about the benign nature of the condition and the lack of associated health risks.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with angioma serpiginosum is excellent, as the condition is benign and does not lead to any serious health complications. The lesions typically remain stable over time and do not require medical intervention.

Related pages

• Vascular anomaly
• Capillary malformation
• Spider angioma
• Port-wine stain